The Best of Both Worlds (IC)

[Prusslandia]

And if you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

-Friedrich Nietzsche


The Founder changed himself into his solid form, moaning in disgust. Why other life, even in Arda, couldn't be liqiud, was unknown to him. Ten standard Human hours earlier, he and his fleet of conquest had entered the vortex, under orders from the great link themselves. Upon entry, any attempt at contacting the great link was futile. After three hours of debate, he had decided that they were in a new universe, and that he was the only Founder. Thus, he declared himself The Founder, deciding to claim lordship, and start his own empire. Now, he and his fleet were drifting. At least, until they found what appeared to be a habitable planet. Thus, we are now back at the present. As the Founder walked, he yhought about his current resources. Thirty ship fleet, with three frieghters containing slaves, supplies, and an abundance of Ketracel White. This would be needed soon, as more Jem'Hadar must be bred, to raise army worthy enough. Finishing his walk to the bridge, The founder looked upon the planet infront of him. A large green world, with a massive hurricane brewing in the south. Turning his head to a female vorta sitting at a console, the Founder said " Report. " The vorta was clearly shocked, but she quickly regained her composure, and said " Class 8 planet, designation LV-426. Atmosphere contains 33 % carbon dioxide, 67 % oxygen. Three moons. Avian species, minor space flight. " The Vorta shut up as the Founder opened his mouth, and asked " Suggested source of action ? " Opening her mouth, the Vorta said " Send vorta diplomatic party to declare annexation. If party is challenged, send in Jem'Hadar to kill planetary leaders, while razing major cities until they submit. " The Founder pondered for a moment, before saying " Proceed. Inform me of any major developments. " Finishing his talking, the Founder returned to his quarters, taking his liquid form.

[Immensia]

Federation Border of the Neutral Zone
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser
0915 Hours

"Admiral on the bridge!" Commander Tila'Ike Tax declared. The Gamma Jem Hadar tactical officer stood in a very authoritative posture behind his console, reviewing tactical readouts and performing weapons checks.

"Helm, you should have coordinates on your conn ahead of us in the neutral zone." The vice admiral took his seat and straightened his uniform out with a quick tug of the material. "Comm, open a channel to the task force." The response was a simple double chirp of the communications system and the entirety of Task Force Epsilon was now listening. "All hands, this is the commander, coordinates have been relayed, set condition one across the fleet, all captains set ships to yellow alert, standard security posture." The admiral looked over to his science officer, Commander Elizabeth Romano, and nodded. Her hands went to work at her console as well. "On my command, establish line formation, the flagship will take lead, we will enter the vortex, five second increments, cloak and broadcast friend or foe upon exit from the other side. Be advised, we do not know what lies beyond, this is what you're trained for, this is what we exist for. Kerensky out."

The vice admiral looked again at Commander Romano, "execute when ready, conn, standby to broadcast travel to the fleet."

Commander Ramano's hands glanced across her display and the holo-display lit up with the formation of the fleet. The U.S.S. Helena and Demeter were sitting abreast on either side of the task force. "Broadcasting initiation, standby." The view screen began to glow as the deflector dishes from both science vessels pulsed a faint blue beam colliding some ten kilometers in front of the task force. A rift began to form, swirling and rippling in space and then stabilizing. "Phase one complete, temporal threshold established. Initiating antimatter disruption pulse." The science vessel's deflectors began to glow bright as the pulse charged and began to overload their dishes. Sparks of energy lanced out into space until finally both exchanged a rapid beam of energy straight into the vortex, colliding together. The result was nearly blinding for a mere second, and then the vortex began to collapse, churning in on itself.

The officers braced themselves as a gravity well snared the ship, jolting them at their stations. The admiral looked ahead at the view screen, his eyes piercing as if to see what threat lies beyond. "Helm, one half impulse, broadcast time dispersion to the fleet. Engage!"

The U.S.S. Elysium Fields accelerated beyond the steady pull of the vortex driving straight for the epicenter as the task force moved into it's line formation. The flagship vanished as it broke the event horizon and the Achilles class strategic cruisers closed within their five second gap to follow, the four escorts, the steamrunner, and finally the Helena and Demeter took formation and disappeared into the rift.

[Zepplien]

Flagship I.S.S. Intrepid
"Captain, the vortex is opening again... Sensors indicate..." Lt. Commander Talas said, her antenna curling as she practically screamed "The Federation!" Gen stood next to her captain and screamed "They betrayed us! They created this votex to trap us!" Lucido simply crossed his legs and ordered "Engage cloak, launch fighters, prepare to attack the Federation ships." The comm officer nodded to the others as he tapped at his controls, sending out Lucido's orders to the fleet, each in turn shimmering with the telltale signs of a cloak, with the sole exception of the Voth ship which shifted itself out of phase with the universe. Fighters and runabouts likewise engaged their cloaking systems, suddenly nothing but Mandate and Federation ships seen in the area.

Lucido nodded slightly as he received the report "All ships successfully cloaked sir, we wait for your orders." He turned to his XO "Gen, ready room." the two walking toward the door as Lucido offered the order "Keep us cloaked, unless you want to be thrown in an agony booth." After entering Lucido locked the door then calmly told his XO "This makes no sense Gen, I sensed no betrayal from Nelson, he would not turn on us if he could help it." Gen nodded "Doesn't seem like the Federation that I have fou-" the two of them spoke at once "Section 31." the Breen Confederacy knowing about the group, and even doing business with them on one occasion, capturing a Romulan Centurion and delivering him to the operatives for reasons that they didn't ask. Lucido had gone undetected in the Breen ranks during the deal, wearing a cryosuit along with his crewmates, and he was thankful for that now. He nodded a little to his XO before turning back to the door and walking out onto his bridge once more. He then sat in his command chair and pointed to his comm officer "Bring the cloaks offline, power up weapons and shields, launch all fighters, but hold fire until we can confirm hostile intent, if it be so, let us win a glorious battle for the Union." with that the Union ships decloked, then like bees from a hive a rush of fighters swamped out from the starships, and weapons powered up to full. Disruptor, phaser, tachyon, photon, and Borg nanite torpedoes powered up, targeting the Federation ships arriving from the Vortex as Lucido transmitted "Attention Federation ships, you have 5 minutes to transmit how you were able to create that vortex, or we will open fire. This is your one and final warning."

[Prusslandia]

Turvess, homeworld of the Raloi, designation LV-426

Mek'nan ran through the ruins of the city, smoke and fire obscuring his visions. Gargled screams followed him, as well as a single mantra, uttered in a harsh tongue. " Your destruction is the will of the Gods, and we are their instrument " . Raloi bodies, their feathers singed and burned, were hung up like animals, as if being bled. All of this had started a few hours ago. The clearly advanced aliens had arrived in their enormous craft. Out of them came a delegation, which told the Raloi high emperor that the Raloi were now part of the New Dominion, under the will of The Founder. The Emperor, of course, scoffed and ordered these fools killled. But then it went horribly wrong. The azure scaled aliens, clearly the guards of the softer skinned ones, had brutally butchered the king and his men with ease, in full view of the crowd. Mass panic eupted, as the Dominions ships began to bomb the capital city, while the blue scaled warriors arrived by the thousands, destroying all in sight. Biotics were of great use, until the few Raloi who could use them were killed. Now, they had no chance of survival. Mek'nan was broken out of his reverie, as one of the blue skinned warriors shot what appeared to be a laser at him. As the beam of light hit him, Mek'nan cried out in pain, his flesh broiling and feathers burning. Barely managing to pry his eyes open, the last thing Mek'nan saw a silver blade, hitting right between in his eyes.

Orbit of LV-426, aboard the Founder's Will, Jem'Hadar Dreadnought

The Founder smiled as he received the news. The creatures on the planet below, known as the Raloi, had submitted to his lordship. Sure, he had to raze their capital so badly the ground would be glass and the air would be toxic, but small potatoes. He know had his first world, which would become the temporary capital of the New Dominion. Calling up his fleet, two of the freighters began distributing ketracel white, while the last would go to one of the moons and begin mining. Meanwhile, the Raloi would be indoctrinated into the worship of The Founder. All shall come under His rule.

[Kargos]

A drone floated over to the Krogan. "Your engine technology is extremely outdated. The drive core's heat melted part of the engine and it shut down. If you continued on your course, there is a good chance it would have overloaded and killed anyone in the engineering section. We have updated it to a more modern level, using a volus design." It beeped and its light blinked.

putting his hands on his hips, he grunted "Is that so?" he then crossed his arms "well, thank you Mr.Geth, is there any more Information i should be aware about?"

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

Klaxons sounded and the bridge lights flashed and dimmed to crimson as red alert sounded aboard the Elysium Fields. Vice Admiral Kerensky watched the view screen as an approaching fleet of ships approached, de-cloaking and launching fighters.

"Taking evasive maneuvers, standard star burst formation!" LtCmdr Ortega announced, his hands whirled across the displays and the ship banked steeply.

"Engaging cloaking device, weapons primed, torpedoes ready!" Tax's report followed in quick succession to Ortega's.

"The Demeter and Helena have cleared the vortex and engaged cloak, all ships reporting action stations and ready, sir!" Ortega interjected.

"Firing solution on the lead vessels, standard attack pattern alpha ready on your order, sir!" Tax exclaimed, ready to defend the task force by any means.

"Hold fire," Kerensky began, "Scan them, get me a full tactical readout, I want to know preciously who they are, and if they are who they appear to be, how in the Hell did they get here?"

"Sir, we are being hailed on general frequencies," Ortega began. "The lead ship is the I.S.S. Intrepid, they are demanding we report identity, intent, and our means to enter this space or they will open fire."

"Open fire on what? Relay all ships move to attack pattern omega and hold location, maintain cloaking device." Kerensky stood up and stepped towards the tactical console to evaluate the apparent battlefield before him. "Give them no response. Tactical, report!"

"Thirty warships, mix of Cardassian, Klingon, Breen, Tholian, and Federation design," began Tax. "Analysis concludes mirror universe forces. Refit ship designs, multiple weapon improvements, detecting trace alien signatures in the torpedoes, suggests nanite weaponry."

"Thank you, maintain cloak on all vessels, astrometrics best give me a location like yesterday or its going to be a bad day. Where the Hell are we? I want long range scans for the 4th Fleet and the Borg cube." Vice Admiral Kerensky was mostly calm but irritation was evident in his voice given the fact that no one knew where or possibly when they were.

[Creataris]

Edge of vortex
Mandate Battleship Absolution
Klaxons sounded as the ship was brought to alert, the interior of the ship was bathed blood red by the combat lighting, boarding shuttle hangars were a frenzy of activity as the marines prepared for possible action and damage control teams arrived at their stations. Outwardly there was no sign that the Absolution or the three other battleships had went to alert status other than the vessels racing towards the new wormhole. On the bridge Captain Flegel opened a comms channel to the new Federation fleet in the area to inform them of their location and where the other fleet was.

Code: Select all

Federation fleet
This is Captain Flegel of the Mandate battleship Absolution, Federation Admiral Nelson and his fleet are nearby with Admiral Petrovich of the mandate. You are inside Mandate Territory and we have each end an agreement with Admiral Nelson. We are transmitting the details of the agreement and the location of your fleet now, if you are not Starfleet then we will be happy to strike a similar deal with you.
Flegel out

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

"Admiral, new contact, unknown vessels on an intercept course to the rift." Ortega reported.

"Show me." Kerensky stood up as if to assert his control over the situation.

The Mandate battleship Aboslution and her three accompanying ships moved at high speed towards the rift and Kainos Kerensky turned towards his executive officer. "Alex, what do you make of it? Suggestions?"

"Logic would dictate that there is both the potential they are telling the truth, and that this is a ruse in an attempt to make us vulnerable," the cold Vulcan logic delivered like so much of a guide or tutorial. "Given their position, it is possible that we were not in firing range of their weapons before cloaking and thereby wish us to reveal ourselves. However-" he paused momentarily, the Vulcan equivalent of being perplexed. "However I believe that we should review the information being broadcasted and assume a defensive posture, gain some distance."

"Agreed. Open a channel to the task force." Kainos resumed his seat as the intercoms beeped twice, "Attention in the fleet, maintain current posture and standby, we are initiating contact, and remain at action stations, red alert." The admiral looked at his conn officer, "Mr. Ortega, you have the bridge, senior officers to the ready room, lets quickly review this 'data' they are transmitting and see what we can discern."

The senior bridge officers hastened to the ready room and the information transmitted by the Mandate ship was reviewed quickly the staff. Many questions were posed in limited time and the genuine intent of this information highly scrutinized. Admiral Kerensky thought for a moment again and then made his decision.

“We are going to open contact. If they are telling the truth, then this new threat is our priority, we will need to deal with these Borg-Reaper hybrids. Additionally, if Nelson and his fleet are alive, we have an ally here.” He paused and reviewed the display again. “If it should come to violence, I have little doubt that this task force has both the training and the equipment to destroy the so called “Union” vessels and these mandate ships look to be of minimal threat to us. Allow them to underestimate us and our size, if they are so inclined to attempt a play for advantage, we will deal with it swiftly.” Kerensky stood and walked for the door, his officers following.

“Broadcast orders to the task force, reconfirm all vessels hold cloak until I signal.” Kerensky took his seat in the command chair. “Tactical, disengage cloak, open a channel to all vessels.”

The nearly kilometer long Pathfinder II class starship shimmered into the visual spectrum, her dark hull absorbing the darkness of the void, the dim lights of armor recessed windows all along her hull. All her torpedo bay blast shields were open and the forward phaser cannons primed as her shields powered around her.

“To the captains of the Intrepid and Absolution, I am Vice Admiral Kainos Kerensky, Special Agent Section 31, and senior officer of Task Force Epsilon. We are here in the name of security and welfare in defense of the United Federation of Planets. Cease your aggressive posture immediately and prepare for direct communications between myself and the command representatives of your ships.” The Admiral paused for a moment; dead silence fell over the fleet as he initiated a series of commands on his keypad. “Failure to agree to peaceful and direct discussion will result in defensive actions by this task force.”

[Demincia]

A drone floated over to the Krogan. "Your engine technology is extremely outdated. The drive core's heat melted part of the engine and it shut down. If you continued on your course, there is a good chance it would have overloaded and killed anyone in the engineering section. We have updated it to a more modern level, using a volus design." It beeped and its light blinked.

putting his hands on his hips, he grunted "Is that so?" he then crossed his arms "well, thank you Mr.Geth, is there any more Information i should be aware about?"

"No. We are almost finished here, and soon will return to our ship platform. We will attend the meeting and analyze the data we get from it." Said the drone. "Krogan should seek to upgrade their ships to a more modern design which is less dangerous. Upgrades to this vessel make it safe, but remaining Krogan fleet is unknown."

After a while of working, the Geth platforms that weren't speaking with organics went back to the Cruiser. only the drone and engineer remained. "You have never stated the course of your arrival." said the engineer. "Our sensors do not recognize you as a know faction. Geth sensors are best in galaxy, wealways recieve data." The plates on its head flexed as if it was solving a puzzle.

[Brusia]

UKCS Cleaver
"The problem" replied Nelson "Is that we aren't from your galaxy. A short time ago my fleet and I engaged a hostile vessel from a faction known as the Borg. During the course of the engagement, the Borg vessel opened a temporal rift which, from what we can determine, imploded under fire and brought the Borg vessel and our fleet into another universe; your universe. The Borg are an extremely hostile species who forcibly assimilate new cultures and technology they encounter believing it will help them come closer to achieving perfection Now, intel from the Mandate suggests that the Borg vessel has managed to assimilate a Reaper, giving them a platform to potentially assimilate your entire galaxy. They must be stopped before that can happen, and I need your help to stop them..."

His combadge chirped before he could finish "Suval to Nelson"
He tapped the combadge and replied "Nelson here"
"Sir, long range scanners have detected a Federation vessel near our point of entry into this universe."
"Excellent! Starfleet must have found a way to recreate the vortex which brought us here; beam me back to the Constitution and order helm to lay in a course to their location." He turned back towards the Geth and Krogan "I apologize, I have to depart early, but I'll have Captain Bligh of the Invictus remain here to continue negotiations. Please consider what I've said, we'll need all the help we can get if we're going to defeat the Borg."
He pressed his combadge again "Energize." Captain Bligh beamed over soon after Nelson left.

Shortly after Nelson beamed over, the 4th Fleet, with the exception of the Invictus, jumped to warp.
"How long 'till we arrive at the ship's location?" asked Nelson, as he took his seat on the Bridge.
"Should only be a few moments now, sir" replied the Helmsman

[Demincia]

"Interesting indeed." The Geth thought for a moment. "It is possible the Borg have become indoctrinated and partially harvested to form this new Reaper. Of all species, Geth understand them best." The drone let out a low buzz before interupting. "But that is not saying a lot. Nazara was very cryptic when it approached us. We do however believe it was not falsifying or witholding information from us." The Engineer continued this time. "Yes, Reapers are not defeated easily. Only one has ever been destroyed."

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Demeter - Discovery Class Long Range Science Vessel

"Captain, long range scanners are picking up inbound vessels," Science officer Lieutenant Torres reported.

"Identify, give me numbers," Captain Von Schell looked over at his shoulder at the Lieutenant. "Relay all data to the flagship and-"

"Sir!" Lieutenant Torres interrupted him; "Sensors show Federation vessels, preliminary scan shows it to be the 4th Fleet."

"Hail the flagship, transmit sensor sweep data to them immediately," Von Schell stammered, amazed at the situation developing before him.

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

"Incoming hail from the Demeter," began Lieutenant Ortega, "Captain Von Schell is transmitting data from sensor sweeps, he ports the 4th Fleet is inbound."

Vice Admiral Kerensky looked back towards his science officer, "Commander Romano, confirm the sensor sweep, Felix, open hailing frequencies, get me Admiral Nelson."

"Yes sir, hailing all frequencies," Ortega replied.

"Sir, sensor sweeps confirm the inbound vessels are Federation, two minutes out." Commander Romano's fingers danced across her console for a moment. "Composition confirmed, it’s the 4th Fleet, Jupiter class vessel detected, broadcasting friend or foe tag, it's the U.S.S. Constitution, Admiral Nelson's flagship."

[Creataris]

Absolution
"Sir, the Ragnarock is reporting that Admiral Petrovich has returned and that they are coming to us to meet with the new fleet. You are ordered to begin any negotiations until the Admiral arrives" announced the coms officer. "Prepare a shuttle and a small guard force, I'm going over to their ship. Tell them I'm going over to speak with their commander" with that said Flegel left for the shuttle hanger next to the bridge, reaching it in seconds he found eight of the stationed marines waiting in a whittle for him. Three minutes later the shuttle slid out of the hanger and out towards the Section 31 flagship.

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

“New contact,” Tax reported, “shuttle craft departing and on approach from the lead battleship of the second group that approached after our arrival.”

“On screen,” Kerensky shifted in his chair in attempt to resettle himself during the tense standoff. The approaching shuttle appeared on the forward view screen, its course clearly indicated an approach vector towards the Elysium Fields.

“Sir they have indicated that they wish to meet and conduct negotiations. Shall I respond?” Felix was looking rather puzzled as he reported the contact.

“Open a hailing frequency,” Kerensky responded, the communicator beeped in readiness. “This is Vice Admiral Kerensky to the approaching shuttle craft. I request you hold position while we confirm the approach of Admiral Nelson’s fleet and I have made contact with him,” he began. “I trust you understand that, given this tense and unique position, I am unwilling to lower defenses and allow you aboard my vessel until I have confirmed the situation with Admiral Nelson. Please standby, and be assured that if your intent is truly one of peace, you will be most welcome aboard our vessel for negotiations.”

[Demincia]

The Geth cruiser detected another organic ship arriving resembling the one the Federation arrived in. The same dropship that went to the 4th fleet now headed towards this new arrival. The ship messaged them "Organics. We are Geth. your ship design and language is similar to that of the other organics here. You also with Nelson-Admiral are you not? He has communicated with Geth and asked for a 'summit'. We wish to speak with you as well, so we can study you too." It drifted idly a little farther away than the other ship attempting contact.

[Brusia]

USS Constitution
"We've arrived at the Federation vessels location" said the Helmsman "Dropping to impulse."
"Sir, transponder has identified the vessel as the USS Elysium Fields" reported the Communications Officer "They're hailing us"
"Onscreen" ordered Nelson "This is Admiral Marcus Nelson of the 4th Fleet, boy are we glad to see you. What's your situation?"

UKCS Cleaver
"Indoctrinated?" asked Captain Bligh "If that's similar to assimilation, I imagine it may have affected a few Borg drones, but they would likely have been able to adapt. In our universe, it seems there is very little the Borg can't adapt to. You mentioned that a Reaper had once been destroyed, do you mind if I ask how?"

[Demincia]

"The Old Machines indoctrinate those who are around them or anything they have touched. The organic mind slowly loses control of itself and begins to serve the Old Machines. One can continue their life indoctrinated, but they are servants of the Old Machines and often try to bring other organics to them." The engineer paused and beeped a few times, then spoke as if it was a database. "The Old Machine Nazara, which the organics call Sovereign, was destroyed three years ago at The Battle of the Citadel by the human known as Shepard-Commander. It had indoctrinated a Turian Spectre known as Saren, who had an army of Heretic followers. Sovereign attempted to open a relay for the Reaper Fleet to access, but Saren was killed. Sovereign then revived the Turian, and attempted to kill Shepard-Commander. The council fleet bombarded Sovereign, and when it's puppet Saren was destroyed again, Sovereign exploded form a critical core meltdown." It beeped again, then resumed speaking normally. "98% of organics did not accept Sovereign was a Reaper, instead believing it to be a Geth Dreadnought given to Saren. It was not until the Fall of Earth and the begining of the Reaper War did organics accept their existence."

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

"Admiral Nelson, I am Vice Admiral Kainos Kerensky, Special Agent and commander of Task Force Epsilon, Section 31." He stood and took a couple short steps towards the view screen as he spoke. "We monitored your encounter with the Borg, and the subsequent rift. We managed to recreate the circumstances of your arrival and pursued in order to eliminate the threat and ascertain the current situation and the fate of your fleet." The Admiral paused and gave a curious look to Nelson, "we have been told by these other vessels that they are in league with you, that you have made contact and established some sort of agreement of peace and cooperation in response to the Borg incursion, is this true? What more can you tell me?"

[Brusia]

USS Constitution
"Section 31?" replied Nelson "Well I'm glad to see our disappearance was taken seriously. Fortunately the Fleet made it through the rift with minimal damage and no fatalities. So far we have made a Cooperation Agreement with the human faction known as the Mandate, and signed a Non-Aggression Pact with the Klingon-Cardassian Union, who I take it you've already met. Captain James Bligh of the USS Invictus is currently negotiating with a cybernetic species known as the Geth and a reptilian species known as the Krogan, and I believe the likelihood of signing Cooperation Agreements with them is high as well. As for the situation here, I'm afraid things are looking pretty bleak. From what we've been able to ascertain so far, it seems the Borg Cube arrived in this universe in a different location and at a considerably earlier time than we did. Intel from the Mandate suggests that they have assimilated at least one giant mechanical entity known as a 'Reaper,' thousands of which are currently attempting to eradicate all spaceflight-capable organic species in this galaxy. I'm sure I don't need to tell you the potential danger these Reaper-Borgs would pose to the Federation if we cannot stop them here and now. Admiral, you're people have clearly had more success studying the vortex that brought us here than we have, tell me, is there any way we can get a message to Starfleet Command to inform them of this threat and request additional reinforcements?"

UKCS Cleaver
"Interesting" replied Captain Bligh "I'm sorry to hear that the organics in your universe did not better prepare themselves to face the Reaper threat. It's good to know at least that the people here have had some experience fighting the Reapers, I'm sure that will be valuable in the hard times ahead. You mentioned that this Sovereign attempted to open a 'relay' for the Reaper Fleet, what exactly is this relay?"

[Demincia]

The Engineer held up its wrist and its orange omni-tool formed around it. It tapped at it and a render of a mass relay appeared. "There are many of these scattered around the galaxy. They are refferred to as Mass Relays, collectively the Relay Network. A ship with an element zero core can be converted to almost no mass and accelerated through space at many times the speed of light. This phenomenon is referred to as the Mass effect." It tapped at the tool again, and a render of the Citadel appeared. "This is the Citadel. It is the center of organic civilization, and head of government. Unbeknownst to organics, all of these constructs were built by the Reapers so organic civilization would evolve in the way they want, so it would be easier to harvest. The Citadel is the hub of the Relay Network. It connects to the Reaper fleet in dark space, and when activated, the Reapers enter the relay, capture the Citadel, harvest the citizens and government throwing organics into disarray." The Geth's tool showed a map of the galaxy, demonstrating the Relays and the reaper invasion. "But this cycle, Shepard-Commander interrupted this plan by stopping Sovereign from activating the Citadel. The invasion was delayed three years while the Reapers traveled here on their FTL drive. Now they are here, but have not arrived at the Citadel yet."

[Immensia]

Unknown Space - Exit of Temporal Vortex
Task Force Epsilon
U.S.S. Elysium Fields- Pathfinder II Class Strategic Defense Cruiser

Kerensky clasped his hands loosely behind his back; "Admiral, you'll excuse my skepticism regarding the intent of these various races. While I understand it is the Federation's mission to meet new civilizations, I question the haste that these agreements are made under. I assure you that my task force has no intent to intervene with your contacts, but be advised, our primary mission is to safeguard the Federation from all threats, and this certainly applies to the Klingon-Cardassion Union."

He paused for a moment, mulling over the idea of new threats and a sudden wealth of new alien races and technology. Returning to his chair and continued, "Admiral, a non-aggression pact will suffice in this unique situation, however understand that the enemy of my enemy is not my friend, he is still my enemy, and we will not hesitate to control the situation as I see fit. I will take your word that this 'reaper' is of the upmost threat, specifically if it has been assimilated, and should be our primary focus. That said, I recommend we meet and discuss how we arrived here. I will have the senior staff responsible for the vortex generation prepare a brief for you. I would assume they are currently extrapolating our position and preparing the means to generate a return rift. Given that our facilities are already in place to best brief the phenomenon, I invite you aboard the Elysium Fields. We await your arrival, Kerensky out."

"Mr. Ortega, open all hailing frequencies to the alien vessels," he waited for the double blip of the comms and announced "attention all vessels, this is Special Agent Kainos Kerensky, U.S.S. Elysium Fields. I have spoken with and confirmed the current situation with Admiral Nelson, and Task Force Epsilon will agree to limited contact and cooperation as necessary in our mission to eliminate this new threat. To our new contacts from this space, I thank you for your welcome and will look to meet with you shortly. To the Klingon-Cardassion Union, understand that we will abide by Admiral Nelson's non-aggression pact, however we expect a full withdrawal of your forces following the necessary interaction for this mission. Kerensky out."

Kerensky stood and walked towards his ready room, "Mr. Ortega, signal the task force, disengage cloaking device and stand down from condition one, stand down red alert. Have the Helena's science team prepare a brief. I need to know the status of a return vortex and our current position. I'll be in my ready room."

[Prusslandia]

Rek'Nai wiped the grime from his forehead, letting out a soft trill, the avian equivalent to a pant or sigh. His black feathers were clammy with the moist grime of the shipyard. As The Founder had instructed, warships were being built, to create a suitable warfleet for their master. He set back to work as the Cardassian overseer, accompanied by his Jem'Hadar guards walked near him. Hopefully they would distribute the white today. You see, Rek'Nai was a ketracel white addict, as were many of the workers. He was currently in withdrawl. Hopefully, he would be able to stay calm. If he didn't, then the Overseer had ways to keep him calm and quiet. Unpleasant ways.......

Parnack Orbit, aboard the Righteous Will, Jem'Hadar battleship

Ooman looked at the holo protection of the planet before him. A harsh world, populated by a pre spaceflight race. Pressing a key, the hologram shifted and warped to show the creature. It was a hulking thing, at least two heads bigger than a Jem'Hadar. Multiple eyes decorated its face, while its mouth quivered with what appeared to be bloodlust. A warrior race, to work with the Jem'Hadar and Breen, since the Raloi worked with the Vorta and Cardassians. A ground invasion eould not be possible, considering the current amount of Jem'Hadar at Ooman's disposal. Requesting more Jem'Hadar was out of the question, since he was appointed to find more servants by The Founder itself. Turning the holo off, Ooman softly said " Contact the rest of the fleet. Glass the largest cities. Send down a Jem'Hadar task force to retrieve one of these "Yahg" before we do anything, to see if the creature will serve the most glorious Founder by telling us important details." A cardassian, sitting in the lower platform beneath him said " Yes Captain. Sending orders now" As these orders were sent, the five ship fleet began to move, like a pack of bloodlusty wolves.

[Brusia]

USS Constitution
''Ah, another classic example of your typical secret organization agent's manners" said Lt. Commander Bradley as Kerensky disappeared from the viewscreen ''It's like they're all born with a superiority complex."
''Superiority complex or not'' replied Nelson ''They certainly have a reputation for getting things done, and right now I'd say that's alot more important than manners.'' He then turned towards Suval ''Commander, you'd better come with me to the Elysium Fields. Download all the information you've been able to gather on the vortex and on our current location to a PADD and give it to their Science officers once we've arrived; help them in any way you can while you're there."
"Very well" replied Suval, who quickly grabbed a PADD and began the download. "Download complete, Admiral."
"Good, than let's get moving. Bradley you have the Bridge." The two then walked a short distance down a hallway to Transporter Room 1 "Two to beam directly to the Bridge of the Elysium Fields." said Nelson "Energize."

As soon as the two rematerialized on the Elysium Fields, Suval walked to the Science officer's station and Nelson entered Kerensky's Ready Room "Admiral Kerensky, I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you before the briefing. I'd like to be very clear about something: I don't trust the KCU any more than you do, but right now we are one slight provocation away from ending up in a battle that will cost both sides more than we can afford to lose, and right now the only way I can see to prevent that from happening is to make them think we're naive enough to trust them, and particularly their young Betazoid commander from our universe, implicitly. As to the haste with which our agreements with this universe's natives have been signed, under normal circumstances I'd agree with your protestations, but these circumstances are anything but normal. Frankly, I have little doubt that the Borg have already assimilated far more than just one of these Reapers, and given this galaxy's weakened state, I'm certain they'll meet with little resistance as they begin assimilating the local worlds and technologies. If we can't eliminate the Borg threat here soon then defeating them will likely prove impossible, and if that happens the very existence of the Federation will be put in danger. We need the help of the locals if we're going to keep that from happening, and we need it soon. If that means hastily signing a few pacts, agreements, or treaties, then so be it."

With that Nelson sat down in one of the chairs in the Ready Room and took a deep breath before continuing. "Now, I respect your organization's operational autonomy and I won't presume to order you to do anything, but I could really use your help in gathering every asset we can get to help us stop this threat before it's too late..."

UKCS Cleaver
"Fascinating" replied Captain Bligh ''Their technology is certainly impressive; I'm amazed this Commander Shepard was able to delay the invasion. It's good to know the organics' government hasn't fallen yet. If I may ask, would your people, your Collective, be willing to help the organics fight this threat, and help us fight the potentially even greater threat posed by the Borg?"

[Demincia]

The Engineer paused and beeped, as did the drone. "We must build a consensus on this." They were motionless for a while before the Engineer spoke. "Unusual. Our consensus is divided. 47.673 percent favor assisting you, with 52.327 percent wish not to." It paused again, then the drone spoke. "The runtimes that do not wish to assist do not do so out of spite or hate. We have reason to believe the Creators will attack our homeworldsoon in an attempt to destroy us all. With the distractions of war, there has been no council pressure to keep them at bay. They have been engaging lone Geth ships or ambushing study units on other planets. Their attacks are getting more bold, even though geth have the largest and most advanced fleet in the galaxy. A full attack on Rannoch would be unwise, but the probability is high. We prefer to defend our lives." the drone buzzed and beeped a few more times. The Engineer spoke this time. "We prefer to defend the galaxy. Organics do not trust us, but Geth want to preserve organic life as it is. If the Reapers harvested this cycle, it would be thousands of years before we would have another race to communicate with."

[Kargos]

U.K.C.S. Cleaver
finished repairs
Warlord Kargesh
"Once again, i do not mean to bother you, but if you feel like working on the fleet and updating our engines and such..." Kargesh hands a data-Pad with the fleet coordinates on Korlus to the nearest Geth unit. "There they are, do what you wish, just don't use it as some excuse to crush us or something like that, i don't like that stuff." He said while giving jazz hands to concerned Krogan like he'd given a crap.
He should definitely quit his day-job.
He then turned toward the human. "I am sorry but I have never met you before, what is your name, and what are you doing here?" he said forcing some sort of smile on his face.